Nwary's Japan

Your first Tokyo sunset

We land in Tokyo, and because you love sunsets, our first one comes from the Shibuya Sky rooftop. It's already booked.

Sushi, then cats

Your day starts with sushi breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market, then Gotokuji, the temple with thousands of beckoning cat figures. Try picking a favourite.

Tokyo after dark

You'll walk through Shinjuku's neon, then into Omoide Yokocho, a tiny, smoky alley of yakitori stalls. We'll take our time choosing.

Your picnic in Tokyo

First, a picnic for you under the cherry blossoms in Shinjuku Gyoen. Then we'll stretch our legs with an evening walk through old Yanaka.

One day for my GT-R obsession

Please humour me at Zama's Nissan Heritage Collection: old Skyline GT-Rs and race cars. With luck, you'll get more happy rambling at Daikoku's car meet after dark.

Tiny cars, your turn

Japan's little boxy kei cars have yellow plates, so you know what to look for. We'll count them as we walk, and yes, it's a competition.

Next: bullet train to Kyoto, about 2¼ hours

A few very polite new friends

We're off to Nara, where the deer bow for deer crackers. You bring your best manners, and I'll remind you we can't take one home.

Stay a little longer

I'm taking you to Kiyomizu-dera's wooden terrace at golden hour. This part of the plan is mostly standing together and looking.

Kyoto, even in rain

You get Ninna-ji's low, late-blooming cherry trees today. If it rains, we'll take a slow umbrella walk down the old wooden lanes, then have saba-zushi, pressed mackerel sushi.

Your midnight snack mission

You pick the konbini snacks at midnight. We'll spot drink machines on quiet corners, because everyday Japan deserves your attention too.

Next: bullet train and a local train to Onomichi

Cats on the steps

You'll have company on Onomichi's steep Cat Alley, Neko no Hosomichi: painted lucky-cat stones and real cats on the steps. I suspect we'll be stopping often.

Another sunset for you

We'll ride the ropeway up to Senkoji Park and stay for sunset over the Seto Inland Sea islands, then walk back down through the old lanes.

Next: train to Osaka, about 2 hours

Sushi comes to you

You'll try conveyor-belt sushi in Osaka, where it was invented, while we keep watch for avocado. Then we'll wander through Kuromon Market and see what catches your eye.

Osaka after dark

You'll meet Osaka after dark along the Dotonbori canal, with giant signs and the running man neon. We'll try takoyaki as we go.

One more walk

Before Kansai Airport, you and I have one last walk through the cherry trees in Osaka Castle Park. I'm glad we saved time for this.